Mauritius, as part of Mascarene Islands, is Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), where about 25% of the cetacean species can be found. For the past few years, the national institutions of Mauritius have noted the lack of data on marine mammals for effective management. The mass deaths of melon-headed whales (MHW) in south-eastern Mauritius in August 2020, but not for the first time in the same area, clearly highlighted the problem and was a a trigger point for this study. From March 1st, 2021 to March 1st 2022 data on the cetaceans and the presence of potential threats, were collected through boat-based visual and acoustic observations by conducting four 10-days expeditions (two in each season) all around Mauritius, with a total effort of 2,946 km. Results of the study allowed to update data on cetaceans species diversity and filled gaps in the spatial distribution of cetaceans all around Mauritius, including determination of important habitat for melon-headed whales and indication of a resident population. Biodiversity hotspots have been identified and for the first for Mauritius, the potential cumulative impact of human activity on cetacean habitats has been assessed. The results showed that although the diversity of cetacean species off Mauritius remains high, a significant part of their habitat is at risk of mid- to high-intensity cumulative impacts of anthropogenic activity and requires mitigation measures. The results can serve as an important component for application in MSP tools and as a basis for subsequent research. 

The results of the study were presented at at 12th WIOMSA Symposium on 10-15 October, 2022 in Port Elisabeth, South Africa (find out more).

The project was implemented with the permission of the Mauritian authorities: 

Prime Minister’s Office Department For Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration & Exploration (CSMZAE), Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping (MBEMRFS).

The project was funded by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), Blue Water Diving Centre and private donations.